A Luxury indochina Tour of Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand – Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hoi An, HCM City, Siem Reap, Bangkok

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 2 nights’ accommodations. 

Day 2 Hanoi
Morning at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Vietnamese capital. A city of lakes, parks and colonial mansions, Hanoi retains much of its historical charm and, with an eclectic mix of Asian tempo and French refinement, tantalizing foods and a great place to observe typical Vietnamese life.  We’ll start with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology, dedicated to preserving the cultural traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university built in the 1970s followed by Hoa Lo Prison where the late John McCain was held captive for 5 years. Continue to Train Street and enjoy a bit of interaction with local street vendors before sitting down to enjoy a cold drink. Cap off the morning with a cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the famed Old Quarters, a local market place that dates back to the 13th century that comprises of a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, each named after the goods that were traditionally sold there, such as silk, silver, or herbs. Today, these streets are still bustling with activity, with vendors selling all kinds of goods, from clothes and souvenirs to food and household items. We’ll Stop at a roadside coffee shop, mingle with the locals and enjoy the daily life passing by. 

This evening, enjoy a night foodies tour for which Hanoi is known. We’ll start with a walk through the maze of bustling streets of the city’s famed Old Quarter. Join the locals and pull up a plastic stool at a pavement stall to try  some Vietnamese snacks starting with the famous Hanoi dish Banh Cuon (Vietnamese rice rolls), followed by two barbeque stalls featuring meat, vegetable, and bread specialties grilled over hot coals. Then, it’s time for dessert. Venture down a small alley and try a cup of fresh fruit smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk. Stop a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, for a cup of coffee (or a beer) before ending your foodies adventure of Hanoi. (B,D)

Day 3 Hanoi (Ninh Binh)
This morning, journey south on a scenic adventure to Ninh Binh. Often referred to as “Dry Halong Bay”, this idyllic region features imposing limestone karsts that majestically emerge from lush emerald-green rice fields, evoking scenes from a fairy tale. Start your morning with a leisurely bike ride between 10-15km (can be adjusted based on your preference/energy level) to appreciate the immersed rice fields and agriculture life. Then roll up your sleeves, put in your boots, and take part in the fun daily life activities with local fishermen and farmers. Here, you’ll have a chance to catch crab and mudfish using traditional rattan tools, or try your hand at planting rice in the fields. Engage in a casual talk with the local farmer to get an insight into his family and lifestyle. For lunch, take part in a hands-on cooking demo with the chef before enjoying some Ninh Binh specialties.

Later, get on a row boat and glide along the tranquil river to Galaxy Cave. Recently discovered in 2007 due to its small size and hidden location, the cave is beautifully untouched with natural formations of stalagmites & stalactites in shimmering colors. Continue by riverboat along the tranquil river beautifully complemented with stunning views to die for. Return to Hanoi for overnight. (B,L)

**Note: Cycling distance is approximately 13-15km approximately on flat terrain and does not require technical abilities. This portion of the trip is optional for those who prefer to tour by foot/car or if conditions do not permit. 

Day 4 Hanoi / Halong Bay 
Morning drive to Halong Bay, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its emerald waters and nearly 2,000 limestone karst islands in mesmerizing seascape. Here, we’ll enjoy a day of bliss aboard a small luxury ship for a tantalizing cruise around Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay (depending on ship). Highlights include shore excursions to several islands, cave exploration, kayaking and swimming. Lunch and dinner are served on board. (B,L,D)

**Note: cruise routing and shore excursions vary slightly by cruise company though experiences will be similar. 

Day 5 Halong Bay / Hoi An
For the early riser, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck while tea, coffee and assorted pastries are served. Later, enjoy kayaking activities followed by brunch on board before disembarking your cruise. Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your afternoon flight to Danang. Transfer to your resort in Hoi An for your next 3 nights’ accommodations (B)

Day 6 Hoi An
Enjoy a morning tour of Hoi An’s beautiful Old Town. Located 30 km south of Danang, the sublime riverside town of Hoi An is a feast for the eyes. Without most forms of motorized transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is perfect for exploring on foot. Explore beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples, and lively markets as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. Take a short boat ride along the Thu Bon River to relax and enjoy views of beautiful Hoi An from the river before returning to your resort. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B) 

Day 7 Hoi An 
Full day free at leisure to enjoy the beach, eat, shop and explore beautiful Hoi An on your own. Optional excursions (Countryside Tour by Bicycle, My Son Ruins, River Cruise, Round of Golf, Cooking Lesson, etc.) are available upon request. (B)

Day 8 Hoi An/ HCM City
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of this vibrant metropolis starting with the former Presidential Palace. This landmark gained its place in history as the first North Vietnamese tanks passed by, signifying the end of the Vietnam War. Take a walk along Book Street, passing by the Notre Dame Cathedral (outside only) and the colonial-era Post Office, featuring classic Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial designs. Next, drive to the Fine Arts Museum boasts a beautiful collection of ancient and modern art and sculptures. Stop by the colorful Ben Thanh market for some street food sampling and souvenir hunting before heading back to your hotel. Enjoy the balance of evening to relax and explore the vibrant surrounding area. (B)

Day 9 HCM City (Cu Chi Tunnels)
This morning, travel out of the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This underground network was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide from French air and ground sweeps. It also served as communication routes and food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the Vietnam war. The tunnel system was improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and at their height, extended for more than 200KM in length and stretched from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border that remained totally undetected until after the war! Here, You’ll have the option to go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first hand. The more adventurous may go deeper and your guide will be on hand to give guidance on the degree of expected difficulty. There is plenty of interest above ground as well and it is recommended to bring good footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Please note you may get a little dusty if you decide to go underground. Return to the city for lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. 

This evening, enjoy the spectacular A O Show, a 60-minute production that depicts the transformation of modern Vietnamese society, taking the audience from the serenity and peacefulness of rural village life to the mayhem and frenzy of city dwelling through the medium of dance and music.  (B,L)

Day 10 HCM City (Mekong Delta)
Travel south to the Upper Mekong Delta, a rich fertile region of farmland interlaced with countless waterways crisscrossed by low-lying rice paddies. Today you will explore one of the country’s most enchanting landscapes traveling by car, bicycle, motorized boat and a hand rowed sampan into the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam. A 2-hour scenic drive takes you to Ben Tre’s lush countryside of tranquil rivers and warm friendly people. We’ll hop on a bike for a leisurely 5-7km ride (otherwise motor-tricycle) through quiet village lanes surrounded by vegetable gardens, coconut trees and rivers. You might want to challenge yourself to cross over the monkey bridge, which is a handmade bamboo walkway built across canals and gullies. Ride further to the village communal house originally built in the 19th century where the farmers usually come to pray for their wishes. Wind your way to the only standing brick kiln factory in the area where the baking methods have not changed for centuries. As Ben Tre owns the largest coconut-growing area in the country, you’ll see how products are made from virtually every part of the fruit. Get on a motorized boat for a cruise along the main river for an insight into agriculture-river life; then on a motor-tricycle ride to a rustic local restaurant for lunch featuring Mekong Delta specialties (such as elephant-ear fish and river shrimp). Later, enjoy a tranquil ride on a sampan through picturesque canals amid shady water coconut groves. Return to the city by car in the late afternoon. (B,L)

Day 11 HCM City / Siem Reap
Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel.  Enjoy the balance of the day to relax and explore the downtown area on your own. (B)

Day 12 Siem Reap
Sightseeing of Angkor. Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas, Former Royal Palace, Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King and Ta Prohm. Visit Phnom Bakheng for the sunset over Angkor. (B,L)

Day 13 Siem Reap / Bangkok
This morning, visit Banteay Srei followed by an inspiring boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake at Kempong Kleang to experience the primitive way-of-life of its floating villages. Tonle Sap, or Great Lake is Located in the heart of Cambodia, this extraordinary lake swells up to seven times its original size during the monsoon season. Its ecosystem is one of the richest and most diverse in the region. This boat trip will explore the floating fishing villages that live at the edges of the lake, passing submerged forests and fishing farms. Return to Siem Reap in the afternoon for your early evening flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

Day 14 Bangkok
This morning, enjoy a visit to the revered Royal Grand Palace and its Emerald Buddha, Wat Trimit (Golden Buddha) and Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha). Afternoon at leisure. 

This evening, embark on a foodies adventure around town. Traveling by Tuk Tuk, we’ll visit famous eateries around the city sample local street foods such as Khao Man Gai (Chicken & Rice), Pad Thai or Guay Tiew Kua Gai (Chicken Noodle Soup). Explore the Flower Market followed by a local temple before returning to your hotel by midnight. (B,D)

Day 15 Bangkok
A day at leisure. Many optional tours are available upon request (Floating Market, River Kwai, Ayutthaya, Thai Culinary Lesson, Dinner Cruise, etc.). (B)

Day 16 Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. (B)

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Prices includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
• Price excludes transpacific airfares, personal expenses, beverages and gratuities to guides and drivers.
• Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners at hotels apply between Dec. 20 – Jan. 05
• Visas are required for Vietnam & Cambodia (E-Visas available). Not included in package.
• All services subject to availability at time of reservation